Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, Minister of Education on Tuesday assured members of the Ghana Printers and Paper Converters Association (GPPCA) that the ministry will not tolerate the collection of "kick-backs or advance fees before the award of contracts."

He said contracts would be awarded on merit, competence and competitiveness.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi gave the assurance when the President and executive members of the Association called on him at his office.

He urged the association to collaborate with the ministry to identify and flush out dummy printers who use various means to get contracts, only to sublet them.

" This system leads to the inflation of the actual cost of contracts and poor quality work", he added.

He said, in as much as the ministry remains very supportive of local printing firms, they must ensure that the quality of their products are high.

The President of GPPCA, Mr Eric Ofei, informed Mr Ameyaw-Akumfi of plans to set up a centre to train its personnel in printing and paper conversion.

He expressed concern over the unfavourable competition between local and foreign printing firms that import only finished products and said, "apart from the loss in revenue for government, such competitiveness stifles the growth and expansion of local printing industries."

Mr. Ofei appealed to government to help in local capacity- building by increasing the patronage of local printing firms.

He informed the minister of the willingness of the association to be involved in the successful implementation of the free Compulsory Universal Basic Education programme.

Among those present are, Mr F A Ben-Eghan, acting chief director of the Ministry of Education and Mrs Agnes Vandyck, Acting Director of the Ghana Book Development Board.